Claire Leslie-Turnbull

Welcome and thank you for visiting my page. I’m so happy to hear that you are considering Suzuki flute lessons!

About me: I am an active performer and teaching artist, splitting my time in both Montreal and the Eastern Townships of Quebec. My pronouns are she/her. I have an active flute studio in the region. From 2021-2023 I worked with Sistema New Brunswick as their flute teaching artist. I recently finished my Masters in Music Education at Longy School of Music. In 2021, I was a member of the Global Leaders Program cohort where I received an Executive Graduate Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship, Cultural Agency, Community Development, Business Management, and Teaching Artistry. I hold a Graduate Diploma in Orchestral Repertoire from the University of Montreal and a Bachelor of Music in Orchestral Performance with outstanding achievement in flute, from McGill University. I have had the opportunity to study with some of the world’s most renowned flutists, performers, and educators and I am so excited to pass on that knowledge to my students. I began studying the flute over 20 years ago under the tutelage of David Gerry at the Great Lakes Suzuki Institute. I perform regularly with orchestras, bands, and chamber ensembles across Canada. I attended the ETSU Suzuki Institute with Mr. Takahashi and Laurel Maurer for Unit 1 and did my Unit 2 training with Meret Bitticks online. Visit my website to learn more here!

Fun fact: When I am not playing the flute or teaching, I LOVE to hike, read LOTS of books, and I also love to play guitar and sing with my partner Zach who plays pedal steel!

Teaching Philosophy: With my extensive training, I am committed to helping my students achieve their personal goals by incorporating a nurturing, exciting, and encouraging environment for them to develop endurance, and musical sensitivity, and tap into their creative voice. I am committed to promoting cultural responsiveness, accessibility, and openness to explore in my studio. I follow this philosophy in order to reinforce a student’s individuality, empower, inspire, and build meaningful and long-lasting relationships between myself the student, and their caregiver. “Every child can learn to experience and express music and art deeply, can receive its many benefits, and can make healthier critical life choices as a result of this learning”—Eric Booth

About my studio: I am currently accepting new flute and recorder students of all ages and levels at my home studio in Montreal, QC. Private lesson times range from 30 mins, to 45 mins, to 60 mins depending on the student’s age and level of playing (available in English and/or French). If you are interested in joining my studio, we can set up a free, 30-minute trial to assess the student, discuss rates, and address any further questions you and your family may have!